To be completely truthful most of the reviews listed as 'in progress' are actually finished but are either waiting for me to sell off the earphones in question or for something else to happen (e.g. for my ACS Ety tips to arrive)

So in other words don't expect the reviews to be posted anytime soon? :P From what I've read about the ACS Etymotic custom tips it doesn't give me that much confidence.

Also what do you consider the NE-700X bass to be? I know it's not bass light but would you consider it a bass monster (ie: Eterna v1) or just boosted in the bass (like a M2). I'm getting the feeling you have it as the first category but just wondering. I tried to like them but the fit was never right and the sound was completely different than what I was expecting. I don't think I've ever had an expectation of an earphone be so completely wrong before.

Im currently using Klispch custom 3 but having a fit problem with the stock tips.

So Im looking for new tips for my custom3 . based on your review, prefered tip of custom3 is Shure olive but from the picture it does look like Sony hybrids. So Im not sure which tips I should get.. any suggestons lJokerl?? : )

There's so many upcoming Meelec models coming in that I can't keep up with the names anymore. I gotta say that most if not all look well built while staying practical and user-friendly. Those cables on the a151s looked amazingly good, not CK10 cable good, but pretty much up there.

I'm guessing you probably wouldn't care about any of the models except the CC51 and A151 as the rest are definitely budget-level products.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2enty3

How do you think the RE0 would compare to a AKG K701?

IYO, what would be a nice step up from CX300's? is S4i better?

I think someone with a K701 would be able to give you a more qualified answer as I only have a K601. The RE0 obviously doesn't have the space of my K601, is more aggressive with presenting detail, and has decidedly more treble-tilted balance, but comparing full-size cans with IEMs is not something I like to do.

A step up from CX300 would depend on whether you like them or not. To maintain that level of bass impact you could go for the Eterna. For a slightly more balanced but still fun sound I'd get the Brainwavz M2 or Silver Bullets (or ECCI PR401 - review coming... eventually).

Quote:

Originally Posted by rawrster

So in other words don't expect the reviews to be posted anytime soon? :P From what I've read about the ACS Etymotic custom tips it doesn't give me that much confidence.

Also what do you consider the NE-700X bass to be? I know it's not bass light but would you consider it a bass monster (ie: Eterna v1) or just boosted in the bass (like a M2). I'm getting the feeling you have it as the first category but just wondering. I tried to like them but the fit was never right and the sound was completely different than what I was expecting. I don't think I've ever had an expectation of an earphone be so completely wrong before.

Well, not unless my sale threads start moving more quickly than they are, which is what's holding up most of the reviews.

I consider the NE-700X closer to 'bass monster' (like Eterna, Atrio, Beats Tour) than 'reasonably boosted' (like Silver Bullet, M2, PR401, CC51). But the bass quantity really changes with insertion depth on the NE-700. They are not to my liking but they are good for those who like a bass-heavy, colored sound.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intervention

amazing thread

would you say the ne700 has more bass than the M2/M3 and meelec m6?

looking forward to the SP51

Definitely more than M2/M3 to my ears, especially down low (M2's bass comes in a little high). M6 is weird as it seems to have even more bass than it does due to recessed mids. I would say in terms of perceived bass quantity NE-700X and M6 are similar but the NE-700X would probably have more bass boost if graphed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natha

Im currently using Klispch custom 3 but having a fit problem with the stock tips.

So Im looking for new tips for my custom3 . based on your review, prefered tip of custom3 is Shure olive but from the picture it does look like Sony hybrids. So Im not sure which tips I should get.. any suggestons lJokerl?? : )

Will Shure olive and westone bi-flange fit the nozzle of custom3?

Thank you

Yes, Hybrids fit too. I don't like taking pictures of my Olives as they always end up looking dirtier than they actually are. Westone bi-flange will probably be a little too long (i.e. too ear-penetrating) since it will only go about halfway onto the Custom 3 nozzle. Olives do the same but they are foam tips so it's not a problem.

no, I did not confuse this with the portables shootout. I know am in the iem shootout.

Only IEM I had Altec UPH326 something got lost (and found) 1 week, and made me though that i need another pair.

I know nothing about iems, but i read your incredibly helpful shootout and narrowed to this:

I wont spend over 40$ in these little things

M6, PL3, M9. those are the one i can buy and i know where. but if you recommend another i'd be happy to take it into consideration.

I want a clear sound, i want to differentiate instruments. and i was some sort of v shape in the eq. i cant stand the lack of bass, but i dont want it bloated, i just want to hear that is there. punch would be appreciated.

I would also like them to be as the hard to destroy (my altects has a very hard braided cable, i like that) and a case to carry would be cool.

M6, PL3, M9. those are the one i can buy and i know where. but if you recommend another i'd be happy to take it into consideration.

I want a clear sound, i want to differentiate instruments. and i was some sort of v shape in the eq. i cant stand the lack of bass, but i dont want it bloated, i just want to hear that is there. punch would be appreciated.

I would also like them to be as the hard to destroy (my altects has a very hard braided cable, i like that) and a case to carry would be cool.

No amp, just clip+.

for the price i could get both m6 and m9, does it worth to have both?

i could go over 40 to 50$ but only if you say its really worth it.

Well the M6 is definitely v-shaped and at $20 it's almost too cheap not to try but I would definitely urge you to consider the Brainwavz M1 which is still my favorite <$40 earphone. It's far from v-shaped but the clarity is excellent and overall balance is quite good.

And, while the M9 and M6 are slightly different in sound, I wouldn't buy both. The M6 sounds more refined with a good fit and is the one I'd go for.

M6, PL3, M9. those are the one i can buy and i know where. but if you recommend another i'd be happy to take it into consideration.

I want a clear sound, i want to differentiate instruments. and i was some sort of v shape in the eq. i cant stand the lack of bass, but i dont want it bloated, i just want to hear that is there. punch would be appreciated.

I would also like them to be as the hard to destroy (my altects has a very hard braided cable, i like that) and a case to carry would be cool.

No amp, just clip+.

for the price i could get both m6 and m9, does it worth to have both?

i could go over 40 to 50$ but only if you say its really worth it.

Well the M6 is definitely v-shaped and at $20 it's almost too cheap not to try but I would definitely urge you to consider the Brainwavz M1 which is still my favorite <$40 earphone. It's far from v-shaped but the clarity is excellent and overall balance is quite good.

And, while the M9 and M6 are slightly different in sound, I wouldn't buy both. The M6 sounds more refined with a good fit and is the one I'd go for.

very well. a new contender then, would you recommend the Maximo imetal 590 for the cause?

altought im almost gone with the M6, might this be my first quality IEM?!

no, I did not confuse this with the portables shootout. I know am in the iem shootout.

Only IEM I had Altec UPH326 something got lost (and found) 1 week, and made me though that i need another pair.

I know nothing about iems, but i read your incredibly helpful shootout and narrowed to this:

I wont spend over 40$ in these little things

M6, PL3, M9. those are the one i can buy and i know where. but if you recommend another i'd be happy to take it into consideration.

I want a clear sound, i want to differentiate instruments. and i was some sort of v shape in the eq. i cant stand the lack of bass, but i dont want it bloated, i just want to hear that is there. punch would be appreciated.

I would also like them to be as the hard to destroy (my altects has a very hard braided cable, i like that) and a case to carry would be cool.

Mr. ljokerl, how would you say the Thinksound TS02 compare to the Nuforce 700x/m?

I'm thinking of returning the 700ms because I find them to be too bassy, but I love the build quality.

I want bass but not overpowering bass. Also, being build like a tank would help as well.

The TS02 is an interesting one in that it doesn't really do a whole lot of things incredibly well but it just works and always sounds enjoyable. I never caught myself thinking that the bass of the TS02 is overwhelming even though there's plenty of it. The Nuforce is a little more detailed especially when it comes to sub-bass and is probably flatter in the treble but not by much. As for being built like a tank, the TS02 is very well thought-out, with adequate strain reliefs and aluminum bits where it matters but I wouldn't hit them with a hammer. I think the M2 is a little closer to the NE-700 in feel just because it's mostly metal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesMcProgger

very well. a new contender then, would you recommend the Maximo imetal 590 for the cause?

altought im almost gone with the M6, might this be my first quality IEM?!

Well, the iM-590 is even more balanced than the M1 and has more prominent lower treble. It's more of a Grado-type sound while the M1 is more lush and liquid in the midrange,

I guess the NE-700X is one earphone where we hear differently then. Usually we hear things similarly at least from those we have both heard. Although I guess it depends on the aspect of bass. I felt that the M2 hits harder but is quicker while the NE-700X doesn't have as much impact but is much slower and decay is quite long so the bass is there for quite a while.

Well either way if given the choice I'd take the M2 over the NE-700X which is basically what I did as I returned the NE-700X. I did try to sell it however there were no interested parties so I decided to return it while I had the chance to. I think the NE-700X technically might be better but from an enjoyment level I like the M2. It also is the better package and actually lots of Chinese budget earphones have great packages from ViSang/Brainwavz and Sound Magic. Although the cost is not much the package I received is pretty impressive.

I guess the NE-700X is one earphone where we hear differently then. Usually we hear things similarly at least from those we have both heard. Although I guess it depends on the aspect of bass. I felt that the M2 hits harder but is quicker while the NE-700X doesn't have as much impact but is much slower and decay is quite long so the bass is there for quite a while.

Well either way if given the choice I'd take the M2 over the NE-700X which is basically what I did as I returned the NE-700X. I did try to sell it however there were no interested parties so I decided to return it while I had the chance to. I think the NE-700X technically might be better but from an enjoyment level I like the M2. It also is the better package and actually lots of Chinese budget earphones have great packages from ViSang/Brainwavz and Sound Magic. Although the cost is not much the package I received is pretty impressive.

With a shallower insertion I think I hear them the way you do. And yes, the longish attack/decay times were a property of the NE-6/7 as well. In the end, though, I think we came to the same conclusion - I didn't buy the NE-700X but if I had I'd have gone back to the M2 as well.

very well. a new contender then, would you recommend the Maximo imetal 590 for the cause?

altought im almost gone with the M6, might this be my first quality IEM?!

Well, the iM-590 is even more balanced than the M1 and has more prominent lower treble. It's more of a Grado-type sound while the M1 is more lush and liquid in the midrange,

I think said the same thing about iM-590/iP-HS5 in my review, that it's more of a Grado-esque sound, where I compared it to the NE-7M at the time as being more like a Sennheiser.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rawrster

I guess the NE-700X is one earphone where we hear differently then. Usually we hear things similarly at least from those we have both heard. Although I guess it depends on the aspect of bass. I felt that the M2 hits harder but is quicker while the NE-700X doesn't have as much impact but is much slower and decay is quite long so the bass is there for quite a while.

Well either way if given the choice I'd take the M2 over the NE-700X which is basically what I did as I returned the NE-700X. I did try to sell it however there were no interested parties so I decided to return it while I had the chance to. I think the NE-700X technically might be better but from an enjoyment level I like the M2. It also is the better package and actually lots of Chinese budget earphones have great packages from ViSang/Brainwavz and Sound Magic. Although the cost is not much the package I received is pretty impressive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ljokerl

With a shallower insertion I think I hear them the way you do. And yes, the longish attack/decay times were a property of the NE-6/7 as well. In the end, though, I think we came to the same conclusion - I didn't buy the NE-700X but if I had I'd have gone back to the M2 as well.

As I like to collect phones, I tend to keep most of them and switch around a bit. Half the fun for me is in trying different sound signatures, and the other half of the time I listen to my best IEM and escape into the music and forget about what I'm listening to. Often I find the M3 give up too much air, ambience and sparkle in the quest to sound more refined. To me the M2 is a bassier and darker phone with more forward mids, vs the NE-700X. This makes it more difficult for the M2 and M3 to disappear for me, although for a while I was enamoured by them and found them to sound fun.

I also listen with a shallower insertion, and I don't find the NE-700x bass to be excessive, while the M2 often seems to have more bass than the M3 or NE-700x. Sometimes the M2 bass is too much, but I don't find that to be the case with the NE-700x (it might fall between the M2 and M3 for me). I'm listening to the M2 right now with some Al Jarreau, and it's fairly bassy and not open enough. The M2 frequency response reminds me a bit of the UE11Pro, without the UE11Pro detail, speed, soundstage, extension, ambience and air.

I switched between the M2 and M3 to the NE-700x while typing this, and when I first plugged in the NE-700x I thought I didn't have them plugged into my uDAC-2 properly and that I was hearing my Audioengine A2 speakers which are connected to the back of the uDAC-2. I was afraid I'd wake up my wife and quickly turned the volume down in a panic. It turned out that it was the NE-700X I was listening to with the surround sound version of Al Jarreau and George Benson "Givin it Up" DVD, and I was fooled.

I'm sorry to disagree, but I think I might like the NE-700x more than the M2 and M3, for their more open and deep soundstage, and the extra detail and crispness over the others.